Testing a new virus-based cancer treatment combined with immunotherapy for eye melanoma

Plain-English translation of NCT06581406 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new combination treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma—a rare and serious form of eye cancer that has spread beyond the eye. One group will receive , an oncolytic virus (a virus designed to attack cancer cells), combined with , an immunotherapy drug. The other group will receive a standard combination of two immunotherapy drugs. The trial wants to see which combination works better at slowing or stopping the cancer.

Uveal melanoma that has spread is very difficult to treat, and current immunotherapy combinations don't work well for all patients. Researchers believe that adding this new virus-based treatment might help the body's immune system fight the cancer more effectively.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you have been diagnosed with metastatic uveal melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery
you have at least one tumor that is large enough to be injected (at least 1 cm) and accessible for treatment
you have never received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy before
you are in good enough health (with normal or near-normal liver, kidney, and blood cell function) to tolerate the treatments
you are willing to provide tumor biopsy samples during the trial

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been previously treated with any immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
you have an active or untreated infection, including hepatitis B or C, HIV, or active herpes simplex virus infection
you have cancer that has spread to your brain or spinal cord
you are currently taking antiviral medications (like acyclovir) on a regular basis
you have an active autoimmune disease that requires ongoing treatment with immunosuppressive medications

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new treatment combined with , or the standard two-drug immunotherapy combination. The treatment involves injections directly into your tumor, which will be done at clinic visits. You will have regular clinic visits for treatment, blood tests, and imaging scans to monitor how well the treatment is working. You will also be asked to provide tumor biopsies so researchers can study how your cancer responds to the treatment. The trial involves frequent monitoring over several months to ensure the treatment is safe and effective.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(33 sites)

United States

HonorHealth Research Insisute, Scottsdale, Arizona

UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, California

The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Los Angeles, California

University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

Stanford Cancer Institute, Palo Alto, California